Esk to the Apple Isle

“I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live deliberately, and, if it were sublime, to know it by experience and be able to give a true account of it…” Thank you, Henry David Thoreau, for allowing me a little poetic licence as I borrow your words for a true account of the Esk Community Choir’s recent foray into the St Cecilia Performance Challenge and our time in Launceston, Tasmania.

Sometimes the best adventures don’t need to be long ones - just great company, a sense of fun and a group of people ready to make memories. And so it was, with just five nights ahead, twenty-one enthusiastic ‘Tassie Treblers’ gathered at Brisbane’s Virgin Australia terminal after an early-morning start, maybe a little bleary-eyed, but certainly ready for an adventure.  Five nights may have seemed like a fleeting trip but in true Esk Community Choir fashion, this group would surely make each one count.

Blessed with a seamless bulk-check-in amid the organized mayhem of the Virgin terminal, we were soon winging our way to Launceston via Melbourne.  A lengthy layover provided opportunities for sustenance, followed by a mercifully swift dash across Bass Strait to our Johnny-on-the-spot bus driver, Patrick, waiting to pile us into his bus for the quick journey to the Best Western Plus, our Launceston home for the next few days.

We were ready for whatever this city could throw at us — inclement weather included. What we hadn’t counted on was the news that major renovations at the Princess Theatre across the road meant our bus had to find a flat patch of pavement as close to the hotel as possible. For most of us, this was merely an inconvenience; for some, an exhausting uphill suitcase safari; for our Bill, whose wheelchair hoist lift demanded level ground, it was a matter of avoiding an unexpected catapult onto the footpath!

Weary from this day’s early morning departure, twenty-one ‘Tassie Treblers’ were more than ready to exchange travel mode for recovery mode, and the Hotel’s Tram Bar beckoned with the promise of some much-needed liquid refreshments.  Recharged, we gathered for our first ‘group’ dinner in a private room where we were looked after by the wonderfully attentive Best Western Plus staff.  Over dinner we chewed the fat over the day’s adventures and plotted for the day ahead.

Launceston, or “Launnie” as it is fondly dubbed by the locals, is Tasmania’s northern gateway. Nestled in the picturesque Tamar Valley at the meeting point of the South and North Esk Rivers, this charming city has plenty to tempt the tourist.  A haven for foodies, a celebrated wine-growing region, for the beer buffs, the historic Boags Brewery, a diverse community of designers, growers, nature lovers and, as we were soon to discover, an abundance of talented musicians and music lovers.

Day 2 dawned with a free day to explore this wonderful city overflowing with small town charm.  Some were tempted to tipple an award-winning single malt at the Launceston Distillery, housed in historic Hanger 17; others boarded a bus for a private tour to the spectacular Bay of Fires where Mother Nature has truly outdone herself. Some sought the thrill of riding the world’s longest chairlift at Cataract Gorge while others preferred to wander at their own pace through the streets and alleyways of Launceston, a city steeped in history yet still very much alive and fully functioning.

Captivated by the beauty of these places, it was easy to forget that our primary reason for being in the city was, first and foremost, to sing. And so, for those who had chosen to remain local, that first afternoon was spent in Room 202, gathered around a hired keyboard graciously provided by Barratts Music Store, with bodies piled onto the bed and voices raised in rehearsal for the following day’s performances.

The venue for the Performance Challenge was the truly grand Grand Chancellor Hotel, thankfully just a stone’s throw from our accommodation.  For those not weary of foot or form, the evening provided a delightful opportunity to check out the competition, while also observing the functions and foibles of our unfamiliar adjudicator.

It was also a chance to reconnect with Matthews Tyson, founder of St Cecilia’s Music School and host of the event. By now, following his many visits to examine our own musical endeavours, Matthews had become much more than an examiner…moreover a good friend of the Choir.

Justin Chan, Alexis FitzGerald OAM and Matthews Tyson

Days 3 and 4- time to hit the high notes! 

It was early this year when Alexis laid the blueprint for members of the Esk Community Choir to participate in this Performance Challenge and confine it to a five-day long weekend.

This annual event, sponsored and hosted by St Cecilia Productions, has for the past 31 years provided a wonderful platform for performers to showcase their talents. Vocalists and instrumentalists of all ages are invited to compete across a diverse range of musical genres and age-appropriate classes.

With qualifications as impressive as his achievements, this year’s Challenge was fortunate to have Justin Chan as its adjudicator.  A teacher of piano, cello and music theory, Justin is also a composer, an active member of orchestras, string ensembles and bands, and, as if that weren’t enough, is involved in worship ministry leadership as well.

Music, Justin tells, is one of his greatest joys in life, clearly evident throughout this Challenge.

At the close of each day’s performances Justin offered every performer thoughtful observation, and generous encouragement. His warm and constructive approach made it clear that this very young man with a remarkable gift, was also passionate about nurturing that gift in others.

Every one of our choir members acquitted themselves admirably. Their performances earned high praise from Justin in his adjudication reports, along with marks that were equally impressive.  Each performance was a wonderful endorsement of their talent, courage, dedication and commitment and while butterflies may have been doing a bit of a jig, they certainly didn’t get in the way of some very courageous performances!  

This year, we managed to scoop the prize pool, bringing home an impressive seven gold medals!

•       Susie Walker – Classical Solo

•       Suzanne Clememce – Folk Flute Solo

•       Flute – Wind/Brass Open

•       Flute Duet – with Ruth Skippen

•       The Esk Community Choir – Choir Adults Only

•       Susie Walker & Patrina McLeod – Open Duet

•       Liz Kelleher, Evey Weller & Kathleen Watts – Three Little Maids Ensemble

We also achieved four silver medals:

•       Denis Hawes – Sacred Solo

•       Kathleen Watts – Songs from Musical Theatre

•       Susie Walker, Ruth Skippen & Patrina McLeod – Ensemble 1

•       Evey Weller – Traditional Folk Song

Highly Commended awards were received for:

•       Susie Walker & Anna Wheildon – Open Duet

•       Denis Hawes – Contemporary Style Singing

Buoyed, if not a little bushed following each day’s achievements, we soon slipped easily into the rhythm of finding ourselves around tables in the Grand Chancellor’s lounge bar to unwind and shoot the breeze over a wine or two, perchance to hatch plans for the following day.

Day 5 – The final countdown     As sunlight spilled into the morning of our last ‘free’ day in Launceston, plans were afoot for a leisurely Tamar River cruise, taking in the magnificent Cataract Gorge along the way.

Some opted for shank’s pony and set off on foot, while others, less confident of Launceston’s street directions, opted for a taxi. This, however, proved to be an adventure of an entirely different kind, the journey not only broadening our use of colourful language, but also providing a valuable lesson in knowing to never try to be funny with taxi drivers whose gender appears questionable!

The cruise carried us along the Tamar, North and South Esk Rivers and deep into Launceston’s magnificent Cataract Gorge where towering, weather-sculpted cliffs rose dramatically either side. It was a place of such natural grandeur and stillness that whispering seemed appropriate.

This was also to be our final night together in Launceston and buoyed by the success of these past five days, as we gathered around tables in the Grand Chancellor Hotel’s restaurant, it was obvious we were not going gently into this good night.   We quaffed, sipped, laughed, and consumed all that was on offer and before the cacophony got completely out of hand, we paused to give our thanks to those who made this tour the success it was.

To our ‘extras’ who became our groupies, and then our friends, thank you for being our photographers, carers, bag ladies, high-fivers and for your endless encouragement and uplifting praise which made our heads swell just a little.

To Alexis, Ruth and Suzanne for your incomparable accompaniments.  Our music shines because of you.

…and to Alexis, for your passion, inspiration, patience, sensitivity, and allowing us all to steal so many pieces of your life; for opening the door into your world of music and teaching us so much that we never want to leave, we give our heartfelt thanks.

Launceston’s St Cecilia Productions 2026 Performance Challenge was more than just an event.  It was a feeling.  And for five perfect days, it was ours.

By: Sue Walker  

Bill Lansdown

Alexis with Denis

Alexis, Anna and Evey

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS WITH WOMEN IN HARMONY.

Women in Harmony Choir, Toowoomba

On Saturday, 15 August, Women in Harmony proudly celebrated a very special milestone…their 20th birthday! That’s twenty years around the sun, and twenty years of bringing women from all cultural backgrounds together through the joy of singing. For two decades, Women in Harmony have created a non-judgemental space where music, friendship and cultural harmony can thrive, enriching the lives of their members and the wider community.

To help celebrate this wonderful milestone, the Esk Community Choir was delighted to be invited as guests to join Women in Harmony for a very special concert. 20 songs for 20 years was the blueprint for a celebratory concert to a capacity audience at the Philharmonic Hall in Toowoomba.

 

Living their mantra, “Promoting Understanding, Acceptance and Friendship,” Women in Harmony, under the Musical Direction of Elaine Coates, took concertgoers on a captivating musical journey around the world.  From the cold, vast landscapes of Antarctica, the journey continued through Finland, Chile, Japan, Scotland, Greece and China, before finally arriving in Aotearoa with Te Aroha, a beautiful message of love, hope and peace for us all. Many of the songs were performed in the language of their country of origin, adding another level of richness to the experience.

Under Alexis’s inspired musical direction, and to the sublime accompaniments of Alexis and Ruth, the Esk Community Choir beautifully shared their own journey through the joy of singing. Their varied selection of much-loved songs delighted the audience, with their opening number, A Complete History of Western Music, so captivating that it elicited a standing ovation. 

 

Composer and lyricist, Greg Gilpin’s Why We Sing has become not only the anthem of Women in Harmony, but also a powerful celebration of the transformative power of choral singing. On this day, as both choirs and past WIH members came together on stage in collaboration, its message was brought to life in a glorious wall of sound that filled the hall and lingered long after the final standing ovation.

 

The birthday celebrations overflowed into the ‘playroom’, where a sumptuous afternoon tea awaited all comers. From the very first notes that rang out through the hall to the cutting of the birthday cake, it was clear that this day was an uplifting expression of talent, music, kindness and the power of song to bring people together.

margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">To Elaine and all the members of your choir, Alexis and the members of the Esk Community Choir extend our heartfelt thanks for sharing your wonderful music, your warmth and hospitality, and the enduring friendship between our choirs.

 

By: Sue Walker

TO THE PEOPLE OF ST DAVID’S UNITED WELSH CHURCH, CONGRATULATIONS!

 

Cywdthgy-yns-flly Cyyllnnyrch to all of you who may be reading this blog.  Well, ok you Welsh readers, you know that Cywdthgy-yns-Flly yllnnyrh means absolutely nothing like ‘welcome to this blog’ but isn’t that the beauty of the Welsh language?  Nobody but the Welsh themselves and perhaps the parishioners who attend St David’s United Welsh Church in Blackstone, Ipswich has the faintest idea whatsoever what it means.  It’s the language that gave them words like ‘Eglwys Unedig Gymraeg, Blackstone’ which, thanks to an Order of Service sheet, let it be known that on this Sunday, 19^th July, the good people of St David’s were celebrating their 143^rd Anniversary and we of the Esk Community Choir were honoured to be a part of this milestone.

It was also a tribute to the preservation of Wales’s cultural heritage that the hymns andopening prayer were first delivered in Cymraeg, the traditional Welsh language and one of the oldest living languages in Europe. Yet, thanks to Eirys Jones’s impeccable organ accompaniment and the phonetic guide provided for the opening verse in the service booklet, there was little lost in translation when it came to the joy of singing these hymns on this wonderful day of celebration.

Officiating on the day, Rev. Bruce Raymond drew on the words of Slim Dusty's Looking Forward, Looking Back to reflect on the rich history of this small church; of the Welsh miners and their families who came to the area with courage, resilience, and hope for a better future. He recalled the origins of the church and paid tribute to the generations of parishioners who have faithfully celebrated their heritage and shared in God's ministry within its walls, a faith that continues to this day.  Rev. Bruce also admitted he had hoped for a Welsh Men's Choir, but after listening to the Esk Choir's warm-ups, he was anything but disappointed.

And so it was that, interspersed throughout the service, the Esk Community Choir, under the inspiring direction of Alexis and to the sublime accompaniments of Alexis, Ruth and Suzanne on flute, lifted the hearts of an appreciative congregation with beautiful singing, their voices rising to the wooden rafters of this little church.   Many of the congregation blessed with Welsh heritage and a deep affection for singing responded with gusto, filling the church with joy.

It was in 1886 when this little Welsh church first opened its doors, the occasion marked by a tea gathering and the joyful sounds of singing. It seemed only fitting that, 140 years later, the anniversary was celebrated in much the same way.  Following the service, Rev. Bruce invited everyone to share a delicious afternoon tea, honouring the traditions of the past and once again bringing people together in friendship. To the wonderful people of St David’s United Welsh Church, we of the Esk Community Choir, extend our sincere thanks for their warm welcome, gracious fellowship, and generous hospitality. It was a privilege to be part of such a special celebration.                            

  By: Sue Walker

THE ‘ORIGINALS’ ‘SPLITYARD SOCIAL’ SONGFEST IN FERNVALE

 

Suzanne, Nola, Patrina, Marina, Ruth, Susan, Maree, Kathleen 

Apart from Alexis, choir members Ruth, Suzanne, Nola, Susie, Patrina, Marina, Kathleen and Maree may not have been the original ‘Originals’ but with their combined decades of singing with the wonderful Esk Community Choir, they could certainly be regarded as ‘honorary originals’. On the evening of July 18^th, these nine ‘ladies in red’ delighted a peckish party of patrons at Duncan’s and Trish ‘s Splityard Social in Fernvale, with some lively musical entertainment.

As guests were welcomed by a brisk bevy of waiters fortifying patrons with all manner of beverages, the ‘Originals’ found their places ‘centre stage’. Following a rousing welcome by Duncan, it was onto a songfest, along with stories and cherished memories retold by Alexis tracing the Choir’s remarkable journey from its humble beginnings in 1978 with six ladies and a piano, to the now thirty-six strong formidable choral ensemble it is today.

From those early years came countless anecdotes and cherished memories, framed by a repertoire as varied as the many venues in which this developing choir performed. Over the course of the evening, songs and stories from the choir's concert performances, musical productions and overseas tours filled the space with music. laughter and nostalgia. While the performances paused, guests feasted on Duncan's legendary lamb roasts as eagerly anticipated as the entertainment itself.

While Dean Martin may rest easy, secure in the knowledge that Mambo Italiano still holds pride of place on countless playlists, it was just one of many showstoppers that had the appreciative Splityard audience thoroughly captivated. Alongside favourites such as I Am Australian, which never fails to inspire enthusiastic audience participation, the ‘Originals’ delivered a performance that had the crowd calling ‘encore!’.

After a well-deserved standing ovation, (well ok, one enthusiastic standing ovation!), the Originals took to their seats alongside guests to enjoy a delicious dessert and share in the warm afterglow of the evening. With the melodies still ringing in their ears, guests departed into the night, taking with them the memories of a truly memorable performance.

To Alexis, we ‘Originals’ give our heartfelt thanks for your inspiring vision, your guidance and belief in us and the success of this event.   We are also deeply grateful to Duncan, Trish and their very organized Splityard Social staff for their warm welcome and generous hospitality which made everyone feel so at home.

By: Sue Walker

Veni, Voces, Delector…they came, they sang, they delighted, and somewhere in between, they made an heroic dent in Esk IGA’s supply of sausages!

 

Music does have a wonderful way of bringing people together and on July 6^th, fresh from the PemulwuyMale Voice Festival held in Brisbane, around 50 young men and boys from Melbourne’s National Boys Choir rolled into the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk, with infectious enthusiasm, energy to spare, exemplary manners and voices that belied their years, treating a large audience to a free musical experience that was nothing short of exceptional.

Hosted by the Esk Community Choir, and under the Musical Direction of conductor / entertaining emcee Andrew Bainbridge, and to the impeccable accompaniment of Jane Matheson, the boys’ choir and young men’s ensemble presented a delightfully varied programme of classical favourites, traditional folk and contemporary selections.

...and those sausages? …well, following the performance, the entire visiting group were treated to a well-earned sausage sizzle, plenty of open space to run around, burn off some energy, and a BBQ crew wondering if they’d ordered enough sausages!

One of the day’s most touching moments came later at Toogoolawah’s Alkira Home for the Aged where the choir shared another beautiful concert with the residents.  Their voices again soared to the heights bringing smiles, memories and more than a few tears. Afterwards, the boys took time to chat with many of those old folk who had come to listen; simple conversations, to some, just as meaningful as the music itself and for Warren, who was brought to tears by the performance and the kindness shown by the young boys, a reminder of music’s ability to bridge generations and touch hearts.

To Conductor Andrew, accompanist Jane, Sam Collins and Tracey Eastwood, whose careful planning and support made this trip for Alexis and members of Esk Community Choir such a memorable occasion, we give our heartfelt thanks and hope the trip to Movie World became a fitting finale piling on many happy memories of this trip to Queensland. 

Sincere thanks are also extended to Esk IGA for its generous donation of sausages, drinks and condiments and to the many members of the Esk Community Choir whose time, enthusiasm and hard work behind the scenes ensured the success of this visit along with the warmth and generosity shown by the Esk community who made the National Boys’ Choir’s visit one that will be fondly remembered by all involved.

By: Sue Walker

More Than Just a Melody: Inside Bravo! Broadway and Beyond

Esk Community Choir with Rebecca Cassidy and John Woods

 

There would be few who were present at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk on the afternoon of 3^rd May who would disagree that Bravo! Broadway and Beyond delivered an afternoon of delightful talent and theatrical charm, bringing together the exceptional artistry of Opera Queensland’s soprano, Rebecca Cassidy, her masterful accompanist John Woods, together with the spirited voices of the Esk Community Choir.  From the moment guests entered, many of whom beaming in bling, perfectly compatible with the Broadway theme, it was clear this would be no ordinary performance.  The room itself set the tone – beautifully styled with blue-themed tables that created an atmosphere of elegance, inviting audience members to settle in for an afternoon of storytelling through music.

Evey Weller

Two- thirty arrived…The lights dimmed, a hush fell over the audience, and for a moment the world outside disappeared. The piano strikes up; a voice breaks through.  It’s Evey with a vibrant invitation to Let Yourself Go. In that instant, the stage became a place where reality loosened its grip, and a colourful choir took over.   This was this day, the heartbeat of Broadway, where every note, every movement, and every story asked the audience to step into the spectacle that is Broadway and Beyond.

Our own Denis’s thoughtfully chosen backdrops, transported the audience from one scene to the next; the colourful costumes added depth and meaning to each song; David Finn’s command of audio and lighting; all these elements which worked seamlessly together giving expression and life to the variety of Broadway numbers performed.

Rebecca Cassidy’s presence was, as expected, captivating.  Her soprano voice soared effortlessly, weaving both strength and delicacy into every note.  While Rebecca’s radiant soprano voice lent a polished brilliance to the occasion, it was the warmth of her spirit and her gentle embrace of the choir’s kinship that truly made the day shine.

Clearly guided by the passion and brilliance of Musical Director and accompanist, Alexis, the choir also shone with their joy of singing.  Alexis’s ability to unify voices and her vision continues to be the backbone of the choir’s successes, every performance reflective of the careful preparation and a shared love of music that resonated with the audience on this day.

Aydan Forsyth - C'est Moi

Aydan Forsyth’s striking transformation into the Camelot character, Lancelot, fully immersing himself with theatrical flair and confidence was among the standout performances.  

To everyone’s ‘wait…what!?’ moments before Jenny Carey’s debut solo performance, one of those recalcitrant Vonn Trapp terrors ‘doe, ray, me’-d herself across the stage.  However, despite this distraction, Jenny took to the stage with courage and grace as she led the Choir into the singing of Edelweiss marking an exciting milestone for Jenny and a hint of more to come.

Jenny Carey

Ever eloquent, Sean Choat guided the afternoon with poise and charm, keeping the programme flowing smoothly, complemented at interval by a delightful afternoon tea thoughtfully delivered to tables by our always poised and ready volunteers, Michaela, Pat, and Felice, along with Di and Maree our Catering Queens and choir kitchen crew who so capably crafted this afternoon tea.

Bravo! Broadway and Beyond was more than just a concert.  It was a celebration of a supportive community, of creativity and the joy of performing on stage, every detail contributing to an unforgettable afternoon.  More than this, it was a testament to what can be achieved when passion, talent, patience, love and guidance come together in harmony.

By: Sue Walker

Let yourself Go 

Golden Age of Broadway

Nothin' Like a Dame 

At the End of the Day from Les Miserables 

Jenny Leading the choir - Eidelweiss

Rebecca 

Rebecca with a Dressing Room Star 

John Woods, Alexis FitzGerald OAM, Rebecca Cassidy